NURTURING THE ARTISTIC SPIRIT
GATEWAY ACTING SCHOOL
Written By Christopher Lentz, Summer 2006
Several times a year, the lobby of Gateway Playhouse is filled with nervous smiles, and excited energy. No, it isn’t the first night of a show. It’s the start of a Gateway Acting School session, and it’s just as important as an opening night. Many of the youngest, and cutest, participants in this proud and successful program have never set foot on a stage, nor do they know stage left from stage right. They come to the Acting School to have fun and to learn more about performing. What they don’t know is how much they’ll learn about themselves at the same time.
Since Gateway Playhouse began, training has been an integral part of the property and its history. Robin Allan, who, amongst other things, runs the current version of the school, tells of a time when many of the performers on property were here to learn. “There was a school right at the beginning. My mother taught class, my aunt and uncle. Most of the actors at that time…were apprentices who were training. They took classes in the morning, did tech work in the afternoon, and performed at night, and that was early Gateway. So I guess it is sort of living in the grass here.” It not only lives in the grass here, but in the buildings, stages, and energy of the terrain.
Currently yearly classes are held on the Gateway grounds, teaching children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old acting skills and life lessons. It’s this emphasis on actual training that sets Gateway Acting School apart from other schools in the area. At Gateway, the point of the class isn't’t to put on a show at the end of the session. Rather, the Acting School focuses on giving students a set of skills which they can apply in any situation. Preparing actors with the ability to jump into any situation and give their all is more important to Ms. Allan than a one time performance. “[Acting is] a skill. It’s a skill that’s tough to define, because it is not entirely physical. Through dramatic study, you train the heart and the mind and the body to all work together, it becomes sort of effortless and can be applied to any genre of performing. Whether it be a straight play, a sit-com, a children’s theater show or a musical, you can be a fairy princess, or a kid whose parents are getting divorced…you can be anything because you have learned to pull the truth of the circumstances from within.” She stresses that training is important for everyone interested in performing, even those who posses a remarkable gift. “There are kids who seem born to entertain, but those kids still need skill training. They know how to do one thing, and if they train, they’ll know how to do anything.”
The kids in the school are gaining valuable experience in the ways of acting, but also in the humanity it takes to create believable characters and enact real life situations on stage in order to reach an audience. “Even if you don’t do this in your life, dramatic study does add to what you give to the world as a person, because it adds to you an insight and awareness that you can apply in life situations. It’s nice to see kids growing up being able to give in that way,” comments Ms. Allan.
Helping students achieve the best that they as individuals can, isn't’t always easy. Ms. Allan relies on an excellent staff filled with industry professionals, and familiar faces, recognizing that the students need an outward eye that has seen more than just the shores of Long Island. “We need good teachers of drama, and good directors, and I consider this school to have several of them. On of my earliest students, who started when she was 12, is now a casting director in New York. She is able to give wonderful direction and guidance to actors who read for roles for her. Because of her training, and because she is sort of a born teacher I feel privileged to have her teaching in the school now. She’s a product of what we’re all about, a great example.”
And how is the training going these days? Recent success stories include students who have landed major roles on Television shows, national commercials, soaps and more. But to Ms. Allan, monetary gain isn't the point of the school, and it’s not the greatest measure of success. Though she responds with a shining grin at the mention of their many achievements, she also cautions that in today’s world “a lot of the focus of acting is geared towards how many millions of dollars you can make doing a film. And if you’ve got a TV show- that means you’re a good actor, and there isn’t a lot of focus on learning the art of it. When kids take acting classes, they realize that it is an art form; it is unfortunate that most public schools do not have programs that are geared in this way. The focus is normally on the productions, staging and superficial emphasis. Drama programs are not formulated as the music programs are or fine arts, and that’s a shame.”
Ms Allan knows how valuable the program at Gateway is- for that reason and is also grateful to have such a beautiful property and a business that already has a fifty plus year history, to give the school its backbone. The heartbeat comes from her and you can see it when she speaks of the hours she spends teaching and coaching, which she says, aside from moments with her family, are her most favorite hours spent in a day. “Not only the work is rewarding, but it’s great to see the creative spirit emerge. It does enhance a person, they learn how to communicate better, they learn how to listen better, they have more of an ease with social interactions, they pay attention to what their behavior is and in doing so, realize their responsibility in the world, as a human being.” They may not know it, but this is the goal with each child that walks into the lobby on their first day of Acting School. Not just to make them into better performers, but into better citizens as well. With their nervous smiles, and excited energy in toe, these little ones walk into class for the first time, and start down a well traveled road at Gateway, towards a more open and committed future on stage and in life.
Experiences, memories, hopes, visions, dreams, truth, life, love.
Time seems to be non-existent to us as the Gateway Acting School family evolves and grows from year to year. Students make life long connections that are as much attached to soul as they are to the physical world. Yes, we have success stories, which are approaching more than a hundred fold as far as career advancement and spectacular college/university placement goes. But we take more pride in the environment we create, the artistic souls that we develop and the friendships that we foster. I can't tell you the amount of times a day, while teaching, we hear the comments "There's no place I'd rather be"... "Can't you make this a full time school?" And we wish we could.
Truthfully, I don't think there is any place I'd rather be... than the barn theater, always being inspired by and hopefully continuing to inspire, the amazingly wonderful young people I have been blessed to know over the last 14 years. - Robin Joy Allan
She would hate that we are doing this, but above, on the left, you can see the radiant Jessica (O'Sickey) Kelly, currently a Casting Director in NYC, but formerly a student, acting school graduate, Playhouse Casting Assistant and now on staff as a guest teacher for us. Her testimonial, written at age 17, is down further below, amongst others.
Comments and Musings
from long time students (and friends), as well as recent alumni and current classmates.
“Trying to sum up all that Gateway has taught me is close to impossible. Not only did it teach acting, an art of human experience and emotion, but it taught me to be a compassionate, learned and open human being. Acting school is truly a wonderful way to learn how to work harder, listen better, see clearer, risk more, love bigger and laugh louder.”
Meghan Best — 8 Year Student
Graduate, Hunter College
“Gateway Acting School provided me an environment that I can envision benefiting anyone. My love of the arts was nurtured and my awareness of the entertainment industry grew tremendously. The classes at Gateway were supportive and inspirational. My innate abilities were acknowledged and built on, giving me a confidence that I did not gain in my public school experience. A new world opened up for me.”
James Celentano — 5 Year Student
Graduate, UCLA
INTERMEDIATE ACTING FALL 2005
“Some of my most influential formative experiences were had at the Gateway Acting School. It was a haven for my creativity and expression, as well as providing training which now serves me as a professional. The teachers felt more like mentors, and the friendships there have proved to be among the closest of my life.”
Justin Flagg — 8 year student
Graduate, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
& Member of Actors Equity
“When I think of my fondest childhood memories the Gateway Acting School is first to enter my mind. It is a place where I was able to truly be me and learn not only about my passion for acting but about who I was. The training I received fully prepared me for my four years in college and now today as an aspiring Manhattan actress! It is there where I met my greatest friends and most incredible mentors, all of which I know I’ll have for the rest of my life.”
Mary Giattino — 6 year student
White Christmas National Tour
& Member of Actors Equity
“A cherished memory I have is of the first time I had ever seen the Gateway Main Stage Theater. Robin [Allan] walked me in to see the sets and the stage for the show that was running at the time. I remember walking onto the stage, and looking out into this beautiful empty space. To this day there is nothing more emotional and powerful for me, than standing on a bare stage, with an empty house. You couldn’t help but feel all the magic that had occurred there for so many years. While standing there, star gazing, Robin commented that one day I would be on that stage. 10 years later, I Assistant Directed and performed in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. I can truly say if I had never attended the Gateway Acting School, my life would have never been the same. What a sad thought that would be."
Michael Mastroddi —
6 Year Student
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
&
Member of Actors Equity
SHOWCASE STUDENTS 2004-2005
“I could write a phone book of all the people I know. I could write one short page of the people and things that have changed my life. Gateway is one. My seven years as a student at Gateway taught me how to be an artist, a giver, and an inspired teenage soul. While other kids my age spent the weekend playing video games, I got to do what I loved; rehearsing, performing, and most importantly learning side by side with friends and teachers who all shared the same zest for the stage that I had. I was one lucky kid.”
Jessica Kelly O’Sickey — 7 Year Student
Graduate of Syracuse University, Casting Director- Hopkins,Smith and Barden, NYC
Recent and Ongoing words....thanks guys.
"My daughter was in the cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was great to see the young children after the show asking for her autograph and for pictures with her. It doesn't seem that long ago, that she herself was the young child in the audience and was asking for autographs and for pictures with the actors. Gateway has been a part of her life in different ways for years .... as a place to enjoy all the shows she's seen; as place to attend a variety of classes that have helped her grow artistically and mature emotionally; as a place where friendships were formed through the common bond of love for acting; and as a place to creatively express herself on a stage demonstrating everything she's learned at Gateway." J.Striffler's Mom, Manorville
"Who am I? What am I doing? Where am I going? Where am I coming from? What do I WANT? Although these questions have been instilled in me as an actor by Gateway's incredible training I have also used them in my personal life to guide me. Gateway has an acting school unlike any other, that speaks for itself, but they do not take in students and make them to be something they are not. They are aware of every students' unique abilities and cultivate them so that each student may leave Gateway with his or her own way of touching the world. I know that I am an indivdual. I am doing serious artistic work. I am going to continue to study theatre. I am coming from a childhood filled with a passion for performing. I want to find personal fulfillment leading a life as an actor. Gateway has made me realize all of these things and I cannot thank them enough."
J. Metz, Hampton Bays
"For some people the word “gateway” is associated with computers, but for those who have experienced that red barn’s magic, “gateway” means art, discipline, and love. The atmosphere created by Robin Joy Allan, Michael Baker, Jessica Kelly, and all the other amazing teachers allow inspiration and art to flow naturally, and inhibitions and fear to pass away. The lessons and experiences I have had there are irreplaceable and the friendships that I have formed are with some of the most beautiful and caring people I have ever met. Gateway is not only a place to expand a person’s creative abilities but also a place to love and be loved and experience a support that is continuously present. I could write about Gateway forever, but for now let’s just say: Gateway Acting School put a smile upon my face ?" S. Good, Stony Brook
"If I leave the front door open for five seconds it guarantees a squawk from my mom “where do you live, in a barn?” Of course I couldn't say it to her, but actually, I do. Well, at least in my heart and soul…. I don’t what I love most about Gateway. It could be the atmosphere, the people, the property itself, the barn theatre; all of which are unlike anywhere else and I have to accept I will never find again. If someone asked me what I feel is the most valuable asset gained from my past 8 years at gateway, again I don’t know. It could be growing in my expression, growing into myself as a person, my acquired respect for my art, my inspired work ethic, the matchless opportunities available to me, the solid foundation for the rest of my life, my second family, or the constant love and support that taught me to always believe in myself. What do I know? I know that my life would have been incomplete without Gateway and I was destined to find my way here. I know that my experiences and memories here are irreplaceable in every way and will be cherished in my heart forever. I know I will forever get butterflies when I think about coming home to the barn." S. Innes, Shoreham
"I always knew acting and musical theater was something I wanted to pursue, but until I came to Gateway I was more or less flying blind on how to start helping my dream become a reality. Being a young actor isn't easy by any merit, but Gateway Acting School is willing to give so much to those who are willing to learn. I have grown more than I have thought possible due to Gateway's dedication and care. Now I have a better understanding of this beautiful craft and look forward to many more years of learning and growing with the rest of my very talented classmates." R. York, Sayville
"After my first experience on stage, I realized that I loved to act. My parents enrolled me in Gateway Acting School to learn the art of acting and preparing for auditions. In each class that I took, I gained the tools I needed to become a serious actor. Every year I develop and grow those individual skills needed to succeed in a business where there is considerable competition. The teachers have encouraged and guided my natural abilities and their advice and inspiration has helped me with my professional auditions. Gateway Acting School is a recognized name in the entertainment industry, where talent, look and networking all count." D. Baldassin, Bayport
"I don't know if I can even express in words how much Gateway has given me over the past ten years of being in its Acting School. It gave me the opportunity to not only to learn from professionals, but to grow as an artist and express myself. It helped me find out so much about myself as a person. It is my home away from home, I spend more time there then at my own house actually! It is that great, that when a class ends you almost don't want to leave. You want to stay and learn more from these amazing people and just keep going. The people there are the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. It teaches you so much especially if you want to go into theatre as a career. Between the teachers who have become mentors to me and the friends I have made through it, Gateway has to be one of the best things that ever came into my life" R. Hudak, Patchogue
